The marmoset as a model aging organism

Marmosets offer a valuable opportunity to develop useful primate models of aging, given that they have the shortest average (around 6 years) and maximum (around 15 years) lifespan of any anthropoid primate. Marmosets can be considered aged at around 7-8 years of age. This contrast with the lifespan of a macaque or baboon, in which the average life span exceeds 15 years and old age is not reached until 20-25 years. The high fertility of marmosets, relative to other primates, is another advantage in a species to be used for aging research, given the likely need to produce and maintain relatively large numbers of animals in order to attain an aged population of a suitable size. This presentation will provide basic information on marmoset reproduction, life history and management, relevant to its development as an aging model.